Spike Done
[Bryan Fuller]
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- University of Michigan men's basketball senior guard Spike Albrecht announced today (Friday, Dec. 11) he has elected to step away from the court for the remainder of the season. He will concentrate on his continued recovery and the rehabilitation process following bilateral hip surgery this past summer.
"This has been the toughest decision I have ever had to make," said Albrecht. "After taking a hard look at what is best for me, and this team, I will be stepping away from the game that has meant so much to me.
"I am so thankful for what Coach Beilein, the assistants and the medical staff have done for me during my career and in particular over the last year while I was dealing with this injury. I just have a little more to go and I really need to take the proper time to finish my rehab.
"The University of Michigan has provided me and my family so much, I don't really even have the words to express my gratitude. This place is truly special and I hope I was able to leave just a little bit of a mark during my career. I cannot thank Wolverine nation enough for all the love and support they have shown me throughout my four years here. Forever and always -- Go Blue!"
"This has been an agonizing decision for Spike, especially at this juncture of the season," said U-M head coach John Beilein. "He has done so much to get back to this point, but his long-term health is what is most important now and in the future. We want only the best for Spike.
"He is a tremendous young man, who has had a very special career. His important role in our 2013 NCAA Tournament run and his incredible performance in the national title game were straight out of a storybook. His sophomore year we would not have won the Big Ten title or made a second straight trip in the Elite Eight without him.
"He has proven time and time again what heart and determination can do. Even last year, he played through so much pain, but held the team together and guided us through tough times."
Albrecht played in 115 career games for the Wolverines. A two-time team captain, he was named Michigan's co-MVP last season after starting 18 of 31 games and posting a career-best 7.5 points per game.
As a freshman, he played in all 39 games and helped U-M reach the Final Four for the first time in 20 years as well as tie the school record for wins (31). It was his 17-point performance in the national title game against Louisville that will see him remembered for years to come.
Albrecht guided U-M to a second straight Elite Eight appearance as a sophomore as the Wolverines lost on a last second-shot to Kentucky to miss a second straight Final Four. That same season, he played in all 37 games and helped the Maize and Blue to its first outright Big Ten title in 28 years.
He would be eligible to take a medical redshirt and return next year, but from the way they’re talking about this it seems clear his career over-over. It is a tribute to Spike how much that utterly sucks.
December 11th, 2015 at 11:12 AM ^
The Ulitmate Dong Punch. I'll miss Spikes ability to brighten up what has been a somewhat dark period for MBB.
December 11th, 2015 at 11:15 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 11:18 AM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 11:22 AM ^
Class act all around, someone that as a grown man I can look up to and show my son what it means to play ALL OUT. I've always has Michigan sports idols throughout my life, Joe D, Yzerman, Barry, and Tram. Spike is someone with the same Character as the idols of my youth. My son and I have watched his career at U of M and I hope that he can be half the man that Spike is because he will be very successful in whatever he chooses to do. Best of luck to the kid with more heart than any Michigan baller ever.
December 11th, 2015 at 11:23 AM ^
Poop doodoo kaka doodie!!!
I am so bummed about this. I love me some Spike and loved the way he played the game. He's my favorite player from this bunch of kids that made a title run. This sucks, but I completely understand why he had to do it. Really going to miss watching him play.
PS: Sorry for all the profanity at the top of this comment...this one just hurts so bad.
December 11th, 2015 at 11:30 AM ^
What a Dong punch. We'll miss you, Spike.
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December 11th, 2015 at 11:35 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 11:39 AM ^
Wasn't the best player on the court, the fastest, the strongest, most athletic, whatever. But man, he had no fear. He was a vital part to this team, and I'll damn well miss him.
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December 11th, 2015 at 11:40 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 11:45 AM ^
Thanks, Spike. Your contribution to this program immense. I cannot imagine how difficult this decision was. YOu were an absolute warrior for us, especially playing the entire season last year in pain.
The only news that will heal this pain: Coach Albrecht roaming the Crisler sidelines sometime in the future.
December 11th, 2015 at 11:47 AM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 11:58 AM ^
I had a feeling this was coming after the news broke about him having to have the surgeries. I'm very sad about this.
December 11th, 2015 at 12:06 PM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 12:11 PM ^
I guess it's true, hips don't lie.
December 11th, 2015 at 12:26 PM ^
Spike left a mark on this program for sure. He did some amazing things and I really enjoyed watching him play. Do what's best for your health young man but know that you were a fan favorite and appreciated by many.
December 11th, 2015 at 12:41 PM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 1:06 PM ^
What would be worse than this press release would be to learn that he had done permanent damage to himself that would affect his quality of life in the future. Good luck with your rehab, Spike, and especially with your future. You gave us all some great memories.
December 11th, 2015 at 1:14 PM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 1:32 PM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 1:42 PM ^
Very sad news and he deserves tremendous recognition by the fans. Will that come at Senior Night or will they likely do something before that?
December 11th, 2015 at 1:42 PM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 1:45 PM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 2:47 PM ^
December 11th, 2015 at 3:32 PM ^
Please get well and have a great life Spike! You've given us more entertainment than most of Hollywood did in your years here. You'll be missed.
December 11th, 2015 at 7:38 PM ^
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December 11th, 2015 at 7:55 PM ^
Exciting ball player.
December 11th, 2015 at 10:31 PM ^
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December 12th, 2015 at 1:54 PM ^
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